In a recent feature celebrating the nation’s most stunning gardens, HGTV named the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise among the “Most Beautiful Gardens” in the country. This recently released “50 States of Beautiful Blooms” list—selected one garden in each state that captures what makes its greenery special. For Idaho, it named Idaho Botanical Garden, a local gem in Boise, as the state’s most beautiful garden.
HGTV praised the Garden for its “colorful flower beds, inventive landscaping, and inspiring art,” noting especially how the site, once part of the Old Idaho Penitentiary grounds, has been transformed into a lush, botanical paradise. From prison yard to paradise, HGTV remarked, the garden now features native camas meadows and demonstration gardens that teach high-desert gardening techniques.
A Living Treasure in the Foothills
The Idaho Botanical Garden sits against the scenic Boise foothills, offering 15 cultivated acres of themed gardens including the serene English Garden, the fragrant Herb Garden, and the colorful Rose Garden. Visitors can wander through spaces like the Lewis & Clark Native Plant Garden and the Meditation Garden, or explore demonstration plots that showcase drought-tolerant and native plants perfect for Idaho’s high-desert climate.
Every corner tells a story—stone walls from the old penitentiary blend with modern design elements and local art, creating a space where history, horticulture, and creativity meet.
What Makes the Idaho Botanical Garden So Special
Here are some of the key features & attributes that help explain both the recognition and why locals and visitors fall in love with this place.
- Size & Setting: The Garden occupies about 32 acres, with about 15 cultivated acres dedicated to themed gardens, demonstration plots, native plantings, and specialty zones.
- Garden Variety:
- English Garden (designed by John Brookes) with over 1,300 perennials, a Summer House, a Princess Diana Fountain, and walls from the Old Idaho Penitentiary as scenic backdrops.
- Rose Garden with both antique (heirloom) roses and newer varieties, complemented with perennials to stretch the bloom season.
- Herb Garden, Meditation Garden, Idaho Native Plant Garden, Lewis & Clark Native Plant Garden, and more. Each garden has its own theme, feel, and educational component.
- English Garden (designed by John Brookes) with over 1,300 perennials, a Summer House, a Princess Diana Fountain, and walls from the Old Idaho Penitentiary as scenic backdrops.
- Educational & Demonstration Gardens: For example, the Plant Select Demonstration Garden displays plants that are well-suited to the Intermountain West: drought tolerant, resilient, habitat friendly, etc.
- Cultural, Artistic, and Historic Layers: The setting is historically rich, art is woven into the landscape, and many of the structures and materials (stonework, walls, fountains) reflect Boise’s heritage.
Year-Round Beauty & Highlights
The Idaho Botanical Garden isn’t just a summertime joy—it offers unique experiences, mood, and visual delights every season. Here’s a sense of what to expect throughout the year.
What’s Happening This Fall & Winter
The Garden is as vibrant in autumn and winter as it is in spring and summer, with events that celebrate the season and the community spirit that keeps Boise blooming.
As the seasons change, the Garden shifts into a new kind of magic. Later this year, the beloved Winter Garden aGlow returns—HGTV highlighted it as a “glittering wonderland” of lights and holiday cheer. This annual event draws crowds of locals and visitors who stroll through tunnels of twinkling lights, sip hot cocoa, and celebrate the holidays surrounded by winter beauty.
This October, visitors can embrace the magic of spooky season as the Garden transforms with autumn décor and festivities:
- Scarecrow Stroll (Oct. 4–Nov. 2): Wander golden paths lined with imaginative scarecrows designed by local artists, students, and community members.
- Flower Power Happy Hours: Sip on seasonal drinks, enjoy crisp fall air, and take in live music surrounded by autumn colors.
- Adults-Only Hoedown: Dance under the stars during this festive evening event designed for grown-up fun.
- Fall Harvest Festival (Oct. 11): A full day of fall celebration featuring the Scarecrow Stroll, local vendors, live music, food and drinks, face painting, and even a tarot card reader.
What’s Coming & Why It Matters
Recognition by HGTV is more than just a feel-good moment. It draws attention, visitors, donors—and helps support ongoing improvements. Some things to look forward to:
- A major expansion is underway: adding 10 more acres, plus a new visitor/events/education center (22,000 square feet), outdoor event lawn, horticultural therapy garden, scholar garden, more amphitheaters, etc.
- Ongoing efforts toward sustainability, native and waterwise plants, habitat-friendly landscaping. The Garden is increasingly seen as a leader for what botanical gardens in semi-arid or high-desert regions can be.
A Year-Round Destination
Whether you visit for spring blooms, summer concerts, fall festivities, or winter lights, the Idaho Botanical Garden offers something beautiful in every season. With HGTV’s national recognition, this Boise landmark continues to shine as one of the most enchanting destinations in the Treasure Valley—and one that captures the spirit, creativity, and natural beauty Idaho is known for.
For event details, memberships, and upcoming programs, visit idahobotanicalgarden.org.